SPEECH BY HER EXCELLENCY MARGARET KENYATTA,

THE FIRST LADY OF THE REPUBLIC OF KENYA

DURING THE OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF THE GLOBAL
NUTRITION REPORT 2016 ON 14TH JUNE, 2016 AT
SAFARI PARK HOTEL, NAIROBI.
Cabinet Secretary Dr. Cleopa Mailu, Chairman of The
Council of Governors Governor Peter Munya, Esteemed
guests, Ladies and Gentlemen.
I am delighted to be with you all today, as we launch this
years Global Nutrition Report.
Earlier this year, I was asked to endorse this report which I
did, because I believe it is a critical tool for tracking global
milestones, challenges, and opportunities in the race to
achieve a healthier world.
This report documents reflections, progress and open
commitments made by individual countries across the
globe, in meeting their nutrition targets along the theme
making and measuring SMART commitments to
nutrition.
I thank the authors of this report, who have worked
tirelessly to put this important document together. I also
extend my deepest appreciation to all stakeholders and
development partners, some of whom are represented
here, who have worked along- side us to provide
knowledge, expertise and financial support to help us
become nutrition champions.
I am personally proud that this years report singles out
Kenya as a country that has made significant gains in
addressing obesity- a real global challenge, NonCommunicable Diseases, and in devolving nutrition data
to the lowest administrative levels in the country.
Last years Global Nutrition Report highlighted Kenya as a
Country that was on course in meeting the World Health
Assembly Targets for Maternal and Child Nutrition. It is our
leadership in these areas of health and nutrition; and our

demonstrated commitment to achieving greater levels of

both, that is the reason why Kenya is launching this report
alongside four other countries in the worldthe United
States, Sweden, South Africa and India.
For that, we must thank the Ministry of Health, our
partners and stakeholders for the tireless work they have
done in scaling up nutrition nationally. It is a great honor
to be part of this achievement.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Globally, and as a country, I believe we understand
implicitly the incomparable importance of health and
nutrition. Our National Strategy for the Prevention of
Non-Communicable Diseases, and our National
Nutrition Action Plan are just two examples of that
demonstrate our national choice and consciousness on the
importance of preserving and advancing our citizens
health.
We know the economic consequences of malnutrition, the
burden of disease and the cost to our economies. We know
that adequate health and nutrition is a precursor to
development and economic growth. We know that it is
only healthy people who are able to be productive,
innovative and aspirational; free to drive businesses, and
work harder for their employers, and allow infants to grow
into young healthy adults.
On a more personal level, through the Beyond Zero
Campaign, I have seen how poor diets and poor health
environments affect children, mothers and communities.
The burden of malnutrition not only robs our children from
experiencing their full potential, malnutrition affects
families, communities and societies. It affects us all, and
we must therefore do more to address this challenge.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

We already know benefits of exclusive breastfeeding in
improving the survival, health and development of infants.

Research has also established that breastfeeding has a

positive effect on the brain development and IQ, as well as
reducing the risk of obesity and diabetes in adults life.
These benefits are realised in both rich and
poor households, yet we are lagging behind in
implementing health and social mechanisms that scale up
breastfeeding programs. More investment is required to
overcome barriers to breastfeeding. Mothers need support
systems that include family, social networks, workplace
and employment policy and legislation that allow
exclusively breastfeeding so that their babies they can
realise their full potential.
The panel discussions you have held earlier, and the
presentations made here have highlighted the importance
of policy direction, national investment, and awareness
How lack of knowledge and data gaps gets us off track
from reaching our national targets. But just looking out at
this incredible group of people sitting here that represents
Government,
Private
Sector,
Civil
Society,
and
International partnersIm convinced that across the
board we will make the right choices, and move beyond
the rhetoric.
Investing in solutions, and making the right choices at all
levels is one of the smartest, most strategic investments
anyone can make to end malnutrition. Its an investment
Kenya is has been making. And its an investment we must
continue to make.
I have no doubt that we, as a country have what it takes to
end all forms of malnutrition by 2030This is what this
report is calling for. We already have demonstrated that
we have the moral and economic motivation; we have the
resources; we have the guiding national documents; and
we have the impetus to do away with malnutrition for
good.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

As we launch the Global Nutrition Report today, my

message is simple: Let us remain committed. It is a race
we begun many years ago. It is a race we must finish. It is
a race we must win. Today, we are closer than ever
before, and I truly believe that through a concerted effort
on the part of all individuals, government and
stakeholders, we will win.

So, let us strengthen

commitment.

our

resolve

and

renew

our

And now, I would like to formally launch the Global

Nutrition Report 2016.

Thank you for your attention and God bless you All.